Judy Kay Menges

Judy Kay Menges

Jul 4, 1943 — Oct 18, 2026

Judy Kay (Rogers) Menges passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the age of 83. Judy was the daughter of Fayne “Tuff” Laverne and Velma Clarissa (Temple) Rogers. An only child, Judy grew up in Norcatur, Kansas where she participated in school clubs, music, band, cheerleading, and 4-H. She was a Norcatur High School graduate.

On October 29, 1961 Judy married Gaylen Lee Menges, a fellow graduate, at the Methodist Church in Norcatur. Together, they welcomed two children: son, Brent Lee in 1963 and daughter, Janel Kay in 1966.

The family first lived in Norton where Gaylen worked at an implement business and when the kids were little, Judy babysat a limited number of kids. When the kids were both in school, Judy worked as a proofreader at the Norton Daily Telegram newspaper.

In 1976, three days before school started, the family moved to Colby for a job opportunity. In 1978, Gaylen and Judy became the owners of Colby Automotive, an auto parts store. They worked diligently to make the business a success. Brent began working there after school and eventually joined the business full-time. He learned “the ropes” from his dad and has helped manage the business since Gaylen’s passing in 2001.

Judy was a member of the Colby United Methodist Church. She loved the many dogs and cats she had throughout her life, treating each one as part of the family. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with community events, the news, and attending her children and grandchildren’s activities. Above all, she treasured time with her family. Her unconditional love and thoughtful advice helped shape the lives of her children.

Judy had a kind heart, a genuine desire to help others, and a quick wit that could leave everyone laughing. Whether she was at work, at the dental office, at home, or the last 1-1/2 years at Colby Health and Rehab, she had a way of saying something unexpected and hilarious that brought smiles to those around her.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and husband Gaylen.

Judy is lovingly remembered by her son Brent (Connie) Menges and daughter Janel (Darren) Andrews, all of Colby; granddaughters Brittney Menges of Salina, Bailey Menges of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jaelynn Andrews-Shaw (Corey) of LaCrosse; great-granddaughter Jayde and great grandsons Deagan, Tybrick and Tyzer, all of LaCrosse; sister-in-law Connie Menges-Lewis of Olathe and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. The funeral service will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Colby United Methodist Church, with lunch. Interment in Norcatur, Kansas to follow. Memorials are designated to the Thomas County Community Foundation and Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope. All memorials may be mailed to Baalmann Mortuary; PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Words of comfort may be left at baalmannmortuary.com.

The love Judy felt for her family and others will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.